Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) Support Group
Deep-vein thrombosis, also known as deep-venous thrombosis or DVT, is the formation of a blood clot ("thrombus") in a deep vein. It can be caused by something preventing blood from circulating or clotting normally. Join the support group if you are coping with DVT and find others who are going through the same challenges.
I'm sure this has been discussed already and I'm just not finding it, but here goes - - I am 5 months out from my DVT/PE. I did a month in cardiac rehab last month because my cardiologist didn't want me to start exercising without being monitored. That went great and I'm done with that. Last week I joined a gym and have been walking on the treadmill. This week I did 2 miles yesterday and another 2 miles today (at about a 3 mile per hour speed). Today the calf of my leg where the DVT was/is hurts. I have been therapeutic on my warfarin and honestly do not think I have another DVT (Positive thinking is always a good thing!). So my question is - - is this normal? The pain starts in the lower calf and while I was on the treadmill ran up the back of my leg to my thigh. Now sitting it is just a crampy achy pain and when I get up to walk if is tight and hurts. I'm thinking I probably over did it after spending 5 months not being on the treadmill? Any feedback anyone can give would be great. Thanks much!!
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Look at what my best friend did with my picture!
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We all have 24 hours in a day. How we spend these hours is important. Watching a little bit of a video about how sitting affects us made me aware of how much sitting and laying down I do. Gonna have to work on that.Your turn. Tell me another truth.
I think it's great that you started exercising. You could try the stationery bike at the gym too to see if that causes less discomfort. I find biking to cause less swelling and pain for me than pounding away on the treadmill.
I think I will take tomorrow off and see how it goes, but yeah I probably should go back to the bike for a bit and work in the treadmill gradually.
Might be good to alternate working out days for a while just for recovery.
Be proud of yourself that you're giving it a go. It's important to exercise and get that blood pumping!
(Even now, at seven years out, when I get REALLY tired, people start asking me why I'm limping ... and I never really have pain in that leg now! Totally subconscious.)
It sounds pretty par for the course, especially considering that you've just started up with the exercise again. I mean, if it gets a lot worse, even after resting, I'd check in with a doc. But otherwise, give yourself a day off and keep it elevated and see if that helps. Maybe wear the compression hose while exercising, if you aren't already.
Wish I'd get motivated enough to get that going again...
I am also taking my first car trip this weekend since my diagnosis so I think I am just letting my mind run a little wild with the leg pain and the car trip! I'm at that stage where the doctor visits are starting to get farther apart and I'm actually feeling pretty good for the most part....but I think there will always be a nagging concern whenever something does feel quite right. Just so glad to hear that what I think/feel/am going through is pretty typical for those of us that have been in this crazy situation!
I think you'll do fine, given time. I had two DVTs in the same leg, and also took several months off (had mono at the same time, woohoo). I began walking again, short distances, and am currently training for my sixth half marathon. I'm 5.5 years post-event, and I still get the occasional twinge that makes me think twice. Our bodies have gone through major internal trauma and need time to repair. Everyone's timetable is a little different, so don't give yourself too hard a time if you don't have your best 5k ever.
Good luck, let me know how it goes!